Addition of Wright adds options, raises questions

The minute the Titans drafted wide receiver Kendall Wright, the questions started flying about Kenny Britt’s health, and who might be the odd man out on the receiving corps.

For starters, the Titans say they expect Britt back in time for the season. And when I talked to Britt earlier this month, he said he was ahead of schedule in his rehab from the torn ACL he suffered last September. But let’s be realistic: Britt won’t be 100 percent in Week 1. It might take him a while to work up to 70 plays a game.

Kendall Wright (AP Photo)

So Wright has a chance to boost a receiving corps that will likely need him early. After that, the Titans will have some decisions to make, on playing time and potential roster spots. My thinking is they still have room for six, however.

Britt, who has two years left on his rookie deal, is the crown jewel of the corps and a game-changer. The Titans have no one else like him.

Nate Washington, coming off his best NFL season, has three years left on his contract and is scheduled to make $3.4 million this fall. He will get his playing time after the first 1,000-yard season of his career in 2011. He’s turned into a team leader.

After that, however, some legitimate questions have now surfaced.

What does it mean for third receiver Damian Williams, who made great strides in 2011?

What does it mean for Lavelle Hawkins, who signed a new three-year deal this offseason? Last season he proved he deserved more playing time, but it’s going to be tougher to come by with Wright in the mix.

Wright is also capable of playing return man, so it will be interesting to see if the Titans give him a shot since they already have a Pro Bowl return man in Marc Mariani.

This much is certain: Wright definitely brings something different to the mix. He’s an explosive player who excels when catching screens. Watch tape of him and you’ll routinely see him make the first guy miss.

Yes, for the first time in a long time the Titans have some tough decisions to make at the receiver position. They’ll have their best group since the team moved to Tennessee.